Yesterday
the council approved an ethics policy including a ban on gifts to
politicians. Many of us, including Councilmembers Jim Waring, Thelda
Williams, Michael Nowakowski and Bill Gates felt strongly this was
needed. Councilman Gates made the motion and I made the second for
staff to prepare an ordinance that would set a limit on gifts.

The
current policy allows politicians to not report any gift below
$500. The motion approved would override that policy and put a ban on
gifts.

No more free trips around the world. No more payments to give speeches.

The ethics policy we passed was great, but now it is time to set our sights on something bigger. If you want to find real abuse, it is with taxpayer paid trips. This is the next area that really needs transparency and needs accountability.

Currently
politicians bring their staffs on taxpayer paid trips with absolutely
no accountability. Elected officials go on these lavish trips paid by
taxpayers and they bring their staff. They don't provide a single
document as to who they met with, what they accomplished and how their
time was spent. If you want to find abuse-this is the area and this is
the area I am going to insist we tackle.

On
an 8-1 vote the council also approved a recall on Councilmember's who
violate the ethics policy. Many thanks to Councilman Danny Valenzuela
for leading the debate saying the public should be given the right to
oust the offending elected official. This position was affirmed by
myself, Jim Waring, Bill Gates, Thelda Williams, Michael Nowakowski,
Michael Johnson and Tom Simplot. Mayor Greg Stanton was the only no
vote.